WSJ: Israel set up secret base in Iraq ahead of military operation against Iran

Israel established a secret military base in Iraq before the start of its military conflict with Iran, according to people familiar with the matter including US officials, as cited by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to the report, the facility served as a logistical hub for the Israeli Air Force and also hosted special forces units and search-and-rescue teams in case Israeli aircraft were shot down during combat operations. The newspaper noted that after a US F-15 fighter jet crashed in Iranian airspace, Israel offered assistance to Washington.

US forces evacuated both pilots on their own, but Israel carried out airstrikes at the same time to secure the rescue operation, a WSJ source said.

The newspaper added that the Israeli base was nearly exposed in early March. A local resident noticed unusual military activity in the area, prompting Iraqi forces to conduct reconnaissance, during which they came under attack. Iraqi authorities later deployed additional units to inspect the location and discovered signs indicating the possible presence of a military contingent.

WSJ also noted that the United States creates temporary facilities ahead of military operations as well. A similar site was established in Iran during the evacuation of American pilots in early April. After the rescue mission was completed, US forces destroyed aircraft and helicopters that could not leave the base, the newspaper reported.

By Jeyhun Aghazada